Sorry for the Adam Sandler movie reference. :D A few months ago I painted this sweet little Pygmy Hippopotamus Baby. I was under a tight deadline and ended up with something cute but that didn’t feel entirely finished. With the Art in the Barn coming up, I took the opportunity to complete this painting by adding details to the background. Pygmy Hippos are endangered. A sidebar: I don’t know if it is my grandma’s influence and the San Diego Zoo magazines to which she subscribe

I’m so excited! I have been working on this new piece for a very, very long time. Finally, it is ready for me to show you. This piece is titled Mother Mary: Seeking Words of Wisdom — a nod to the Beatles’ song Let It Be that has drifted through my head on a loop for weeks. Mother Mary: Seeking Words of Wisdom Acrylic on wood 24” by 24” A bit about the symbolism: Mary is depicted as a historically accurate woman; she is based on a model of Middle Eastern origin. Additionally,

Good morning! I’m a little tired, how about you? I used to stay out all night and wake up early ready to do it all again. Hahaha not anymore. Yesterday was the open house for the Freedom Festival art show in Provo. My hubby and I went on a date to the open house last night and then out for a little dinner at P.F. Chang’s. What a night! The weather was warm without being hot, the crowds were minimal without being desolate, the art was inspiring… I genuinely think it couldn’t h

Recently I applied for, and was not accepted, to a show focused on landscapes. I realized last year around this time when I was applying for this same show that I really had not painted any landscapes. I have been drawn to painting individual subjects with flourishes and details that enhance the focus on said subject. I am still in the phase of my career where I will apply for almost any opportunity. Because of this, I applied last year and this year (to no avail) and painted

I have yet to write a journal entry about the significance of this newer piece of mine. It is entitled Child Divine. This piece is 2 ft. by 4 ft. and is acrylic on board. Several years ago, more than I can believe, I worked in Special Education as a Paraeducator. That's a fancy term for a teacher's aide. I worked at a local high school in a Life Skills classroom and there were about 18-20 kiddos in the classroom where I worked directly. The school also had another Life Skills

Sometimes I feel like if I express all the turmoil in my mind, I will find peace and rest. I am in the middle of the beginning of a new painting and I am facing my demons as I work. So, forgive me for being a downer, but I am going to unfurl my thoughts for a moment in the hopes that I can shake out all the nasty rats of self-doubt and insecurity. I have spoken before, and I am sure I will reference it many more times, but being a creator is a very bumpy road. Out-of-the-blue

This coming week, I will be participating in the Utah Art Market's Spring Market. I'm so excited! I've never done the Utah Art Market, but have seen several art friends participate. It sounds like a wonderful thing of which to be a part! I have been painting a lot trying to get a few new pieces ready for the market. I have been feeling inspired and it has been so fun to paint! Here are some pictures of pieces I have created for this market. Enjoy!

Like many women, I am deeply entrenched in patriarchal communities. For a long time, I didn't mind. I declared I wasn't a feminist. I made excuses for mistreatment. I believed the platitudes of my ecclesiastical community. I upheld the patriarchy. I was acting in faith -- I was trying to be righteous. In fact, I was proud to be a woman who supported these male leaders. Frankly, I am no longer content with the status quo. I am angry. I am bothered. I'm one of THOSE women -- t